FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 • WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY • WKUHERALD.COM • VOLUME 88 NO. 20
TOP LEFT: Multiple WKU organizations, such as Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta sororities and the Black Student Alliance, join hands to pray during the political results viewing party Tuesday night. JON HERNANDEZ/HERALD BOTTOM LEFT: Henderson freshman Benquil Marigny and Louisville freshman Gloria-Mychelle Akakpo react after seeing state results while watching the 2012 Presidential Election at the DUC auditorium. IAN MAULE/HERALD ABOVE: WKU students burned a Mitt Romney mask at the Pearce Ford Tower courtyard after President Barack Obama was announced as the winner of the 2012 presidential election. SETH FISCHER/HERALD
WKU reacts to Obama's re-election SHELBY ROGERS & TAYLOR HARRISON NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM
While the nation watched President Barack Obama win a second term, WKU students did their part in voting — some of them for the first time. Louisville junior Nate Allen, a first-time presidential voter, said he chose Obama over Republican candidate Mitt Romney because he believed in Obama’s agenda. “I agreed more with his social agenda as well as his economic agenda in terms of more social programs rather than just cutting social programs and not cutting the
military,” Allen said. “I also believe that the upper class of this country should pay a higher share of taxes than what they do, and I believe that progressivism is the way that we can achieve this.” Allen said although he thought the president would get re-elected, he didn’t believe it would be by such a wide margin. “I thought it would be a much closer race,” Allen said. “I mean, it was a really close race in terms of the Electoral College, but I didn’t think he would win Florida and Virginia. But I was very happy that the president won re-election.” In Bates Runner Hall, groups of students
gathered in any room they could find a TV, regardless of the owner’s political views. Sophomores Joe Starks of Lexington, Matt Lawson of La Grange, and Elizabeth Gribbins of Louisville, sought to create a “bipartisan friendly” atmosphere in Lawson’s room in Bates. Lawson and Starks both identify as more conservative, while Gribbins said she’s “unashamedly Democratic.” In terms of getting along despite political differences, the trio said it relies on keeping calm and keeping things light. “We give each other such a hard time SEE FOURWARD PAGE 2
"...and so goes the nation" WKU students volunteer in Ohio prior to election
Results please Democrats CAMERON KOCH NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM
Democrats throughout WKU’s campus celebrated President Barack Obama’s reelection on Tuesday, and nobody was happier than a group of Democratic students who volunteered in the battleground state of Ohio over the weekend. The students spent their time going door-to-door in Cincinnati within Hamilton County to encourage voter turnout for the president. Ohio, a swing state worth 18 electoral votes, was deemed a must-win state for both presidential candidates. Hamilton County, and Ohio as a whole, went to Obama in Tuesday’s election, securing 52 percent of the vote in the county. Saundra Ardrey, political science department head, led the trip as part of her campaign management course. Ardrey actively campaigned for the Democrats. Ardrey said the group of Democrats knocked on over 1,200 doors over the course of the weekend, encouraging
potential voters to head to the polls on Nov. 6 or vote early if possible. “We were in a real battleground county, so we felt really good about that,” Ardrey said. “We felt we really were able to make a difference, and that’s what it’s all about.” Katherine Rogers, a junior from Glasgow, said her volunteer efforts were well worth it. “I was just so excited that we could be a part of it,” Rogers said. “I feel like I really helped make a difference there, and I’m really glad I could be a part of history.” SEE DEMOCRATS PAGE 3
Republicans still optimistic ELLA BURNSIDE NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM
Following Tuesday’s election results, the Republican students w h o c a m paigned in Ohio l a s t weeke n d were disappointed by the outcome of the election but were also optimistic about the future. The students, who campaigned in Hamilton County, Ohio, spoke respectfully about the decision voters made and were excited by the county’s voter par-
Willie McNeal is the big play man See page 4
SAT. 73˚/ 46˚
Rogers, Skinner celebrate WKU careers See page 6
TOPPER
extra
Your source for WKU sports • November 9, 2012
J IS FOR JUGGALO SEE PAGE 8
HEALTH RANKING DROPS SEE PAGE 8
SEE REPUBLICANS PAGE 3
FRI. 66˚/ 43˚
Football Toppers trying to have some fun See page 5
Basketball Toppers open the season See page 7
ticipation increase from the 2008 presidential election. Bowling Green senior Jon Carter said he had high expectations as he campaigned for Romney but didn’t have any idea which way Ohio would swing this election. Because it was close and unclear, Carter said he was not surprised when Obama snagged Ohio’s 18 electoral votes. He said the state’s incredible diversity made it difficult to know which way it would go in an election this close. “We knew it wouldn’t be a landslide victory,” Carter said. “But I thought it would be closer.” As for his work and the work of his team, Carter said he feels as though their efforts still had value. Bowling Green senior Poorvie Patel, who also campaigned for Mitt Romney in Ohio, said despite the loss of Hamilton County and the election as a whole for her candidate, the volunteering experience was a good one.
SPORTS COVERAGE SEE TOPPER EXTRA
SUN. 72˚/ 55˚ MON. 61˚/ 34˚
PAGE
2
FOURWARD
NOVEMBER 9, 2012 • COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD • WKUHERALD.COM
nervous about the outcome of the election. CONTINUED FROM FRONT “I mean, I got confidence, as long as you about this stuff,” Law- pray and believe in son said. “But we don’t God, everything’s going ever get mad at each to work out,” Thornton said. other.” Nashville junior Keya“At least you all are respectful about it,” Grib- hanna Alexander said she was definitely an bins added. Gribbins said her first Obama supporter. She voting experience was came to celebrate the one she doesn’t regret victory at PFT even though she lives off at all. “I am very excited to campus. Alexander said see President Obama she was very happy to in office for four more see Obama win. “This is just someyears,” she said. “Although my vote doesn’t thing that’s just really count much in Ken- amazing,” Alexander tucky, it’s still so impor- said. “It’s something tant to make your voice that we needed as colheard because you lege students — as never know who will young people.” Not all of the reactions listen.” After Obama was to the results were posipredicted the winner, tive. A Twitter account students at Pearce Ford called “WKU Frat Life” Tower rallied together tweeted, “Those ignorant mutants are celin front of the building. Louisville sophomore ebrating bc they don’t Shaun Thornton said have to work again. there was never really They just sold the a time while watching freedoms of America the coverage that he got for a handful of food
stamps.” Nine others retweeted the statement from the anonymous account. Minton Hall residents crammed around the lobby’s TV and tuned into CNN while checking Facebook and Twitter for further updates. Fort Benning, Ga., sophomore Anna Nuckols was in the Minton lobby, feeling the tension enough to need a smoke break. Nuckols said politically she is “socially liberal and fiscally conservative” and voted for President Obama. She said she hopes the WKU population that voted were wellinformed, but knows that’s not always the case. “I think there are a lot of informed students on campus, but I also think there are always people who think they should vote for people based on the general opinion of people around them,” she said.
Dr Andy M’ski @DrMskiPsychWKU
I am a psychology professor at WKU. Follow me if you are in one of my classes and would like updates. WKU- Bowling Green, KY
ELLA BURSNIDE DIVERSIONS@WKUHERALD.COM
Twitter is customer service for students, according to Andrew Mienaltowski, a psychology professor at WKU. Known as Dr. M’ski, Mienaltowski has taken advantage of the microblogging site and is using it as a another avenue to communicate with his students. Mienaltowski teaches intro to psychology, a class that averages nearly 200 students a semester. He said that in the past, he would send emails to get in touch with students who had missed a week of class, asking if they needed help catching up, but often wouldn’t get a response. Rather than assume they didn’t care, he said he realized students simply weren’t checking their email. Though he still emails and posts all of his class announcements on Blackboard, students get Twitter updates to their smart phones and can send and receive tweets as quickly as they would a text message. “I wouldn’t go so far as to give students my phone number, but it’s the next best thing,” he said. Twitter allows Mienaltowski to answer questions students have while working on their homework or studying the night before an exam. The rapidity of Twitter helps him answer their questions more quickly than he would have previously. He said Twitter has dramatically improved communication with his students, especially freshmen, who are often intimidated by the idea of approaching a professor with questions. “Freshmen are adjusting to life here at school, and by using Twitter, you are reminding them of things that they may not be used to keeping track of,” he said. “When I respond, they know
http://wku.edu/psychology
that they are not an afterthought, that I am concerned with how they are doing outside of the class, and it lines up with how they were treated in high school and helps with the transition.” Twitter also gives him better control of his classroom, he said. Students will often tweet him if there is something disruptive going on in the lecture hall, and when he receives it on his phone, he is able to handle the situation almost immediately. Mienaltowski believes faculty don’t give students enough credit for their ability to use technology appropriately in the classroom. He said just because students are in class doesn’t mean their world stops. He also believes that, in some classes, having the ability to use the Internet makes students more able to participate in class discussions. Hendersonville, Tenn., sophomore Melinda Sterling said Twitter has been a beneficial way to communicate Dr. M’ski, especially for self-described Twitter addicts like herself. “Twitter makes him a little bit more approachable as a professor, especially if it’s a simple question about a due date or even clearing up confusion on specific topics,” Sterling said. “I was having issues with some of my study board credits, and I tweeted him my situation. He replied almost immediately with a solution and told me not to worry — ‘We’ll get it sorted out.’” Louisville freshman Rachel Craven said the most beneficial thing about having a professor who tweets are the reminders about assignments and the speed she can get a response to her questions. “If I’m in a hurry and don’t have time to send an email or check Blackboard, I can always just pull out my phone while I’m on the go and send him a quick tweet,” Cravens said.
Crime reports WKU students celebrated in the Pearce Ford Tower courtyard after President Barack Obama was announced as the winner of the 2012 presidential election. SETH FISCHER/HERALD
Reports • Freshman Andrew Wilkerson, Pearce Ford Tower, reported his laptop stolen from his room on Nov. 7. The estimated value of the stolen property is $2,000. • Judicial Affairs Office asked WKU police to attempt and locate a student on South Campus due to comments made by another student that caused concern on Nov. 7. • Freshman Kileen Marie Ellis, Poland Hall, reported her laptop stolen from a hallway in PFT on Nov. 7. The estimated value of the stolen property is $2,000. • Freshman Tahtiana Williams, PFT, freshman Branden Crutcher, Louisville, and freshman Gloria Akakpo, PFT, were involved in a disturbance outside of PFT on Nov. 5. • Police cited freshman Myles Calia, PFT, and freshman Aaron J. Ray, PFT, for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and alcohol by a minor on Nov. 5. • Freshman Brady Paul Driskell, Barnes Campbell Hall, reported his laptop computer and his iPad charger stolen from his room on Nov. 4. The estimated value of the stolen property is $300. • A moped that was reported stolen was located behind Tate Page Hall on Nov. 4.
• Senior Katherine Pollard, Bowling Green, reported damage to her vehicle parked in Center Street Lot on Nov. 2. The damage is estimated at $500. • Sophomore Alyssa Pointer, Poland, reported her coat and wallet stolen from Downing University Center auditorium on Nov. 2. The estimated value of the stolen property is $13. • George Painter reported three pictures stolen from the Sigma Chi fraternity house on Nov. 3. The estimated value of the stolen property is $4,100. Arrests • Freshman Clayton Eric Hafling, Barnes, reported his laptop and laptop case stolen from his room on Nov. 6. The estimated value of the stolen property is $1,420. Police later arrested Hafling on a warrant out of Jefferson County District Court. • Police arrested Joshua York for reckless driving, failure to produce insurance and DUI on Nov. 3. • Police arrested Bobby Wilson Jr. for criminal trespassing, menacing, threatening terroristic attack and resisting arrest on Nov. 2. • WKU police received a call of fireworks being shot from the 12th floor of PFT on Nov. 2. Police made contact with and arrested freshman Jeffrey Nantz, PFT, for alcohol intoxication. Additional charges are pending.
1035 Chestnut St. • Bowling Green 270-393-1800
NOVEMBER 9, 2012 • COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD • WKUHERALD.COM
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"...and so goes the nation" REPUBLICANS
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Kevin Modlin, Colerain Victory Center coordinator and WKU alum, goes over directions with Bowling Green senior Poorvie Patel before they canvass the neighborhood last Friday to persuade Republican voters to make it to the polls. BRITTANY SOWACKE/HERALD
“It wasn’t like it was time wasted,” Patel said. “It was definitely worth it.” She said to work and campaign in a state of such vital importance was cool but also disappointing when Romney lost the state. “I thought Mitt Romney could have done a better job, but you know, President Obama has been reelected, and I hope that’s for the betterment of all of us,” Patel said. “People just need to move on.” Patel said her group did all they could to help make Ohio a win for Romney. “We were students from Kentucky going to Ohio,” Patel said. “Many, many other Republican students throughout the U.S. could have done something too.”
Taylorsville sophomore Chase Thomas said he believes their work made an impact in one of the most divided counties in Ohio. He also said that though Romney lost, Republicans shouldn’t continue to try and campaign against Obama. “I think we should do what we can with what we have been given and support the President even though we may not agree with some of his policies,” Thomas said. “Going forward, I would encourage people to really get involved in politics and in learning the issues.” Carter said he and the other students who campaigned in Ohio can’t be sad with what they did. “Though it kind of hurts to see the candidate you wanted lose, it’s like a basketball game,” he said. “You can practice all you want, but it still comes down to what you do in the final game. America has spoken.”
DEMOCRATS CONTINUED FROM FRONT
She said campaigning in the swing state gave her efforts more importance but that she probably would have campaigned anywhere. “I was willing to help out here in Kentucky, even though it was kind of a lost cause,” Rogers said. “I would have wanted to campaign for Obama anywhere.” London freshman Zach Miller campaigned in an election for the first time for Obama in the swing state and also voted for the first time. Miller said he expected an Obama victory but that the size of the victory over Romney surprised him. He said it was a great night for Democrats overall. “I would love to get back out and do it again,” Miller said. “It was a great experience. “It feels good to look at Hamilton County and see that maybe what we did mattered.”
A Romney supporter discusses politics with WKU students while waiting in line for a Republican rally in West Chester, Ohio. The students had smuggled Obama signs into the line under their jackets. DANNY GUY/HERALD
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012• COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD • WKUHERALD.COM
opinion COLUMN
Coming out: still a big deal?
LINDSAY KRIZ
OPINION@WKUHERALD.COM
For years, I’ve been involved in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights and have kept up with the LGBT community, especially lately in politics. No, this isn’t me bragging. I’m simply stating facts. I digress. While I’ve been involved, I’ve seen myriad campaigns encouraging people to be who they are and to come out of the closet whenever they’re ready, because someday, not now, but someday “It Gets Better.” Wisconsin even elected the first openly-gay senator on Tuesday night, and that’s awesome. My only problem with all of this is that by our society making LGBT issues so taboo in the past, we’ve made them a larger deal than they should be in the present. At the end of the day, who a
person sleeps with shouldn’t really mat- human beings that come into play ter to the outside world. when we get to know someone. In our By throwing a parade and congratu- society, whenever a person hears the lating a person on being honword “gay,” it seems to be the est about who they really are only word they can latch onto. only perpetuates the idea that Actors make it in Hollywood somehow being who you realfor one reason: they act well. ly are sexually is a brave thing. The fact that they sleep with It is, but it shouldn’t have to someone of the same gender be brave, because being brave is irrelevant to their work. denotes that there’s a reason to So yes, coming out as a fear being who you are, a reamember of the LGBT comson to stay hidden. munity is truly wonderful, Making a big deal about and it is a brave act. someone being gay in our KRIZ In a society where every persociety takes away from who Columnist son’s actions are under scrutithey are as a person in many ny once they leave the closet, cases. We tend to forget that people are we’re placing too much emphasis on multi-faceted. We can be right-handed, one aspect of a person, and forgetting liberals, male, Republicans, tall, skinny that being gay is only one trait of a huand gay. There are many aspects about man being.
Tops & Bottoms TOPS to Election Day being over
BOTTOMS to the political bickering continuing
TOPS to a home game on Saturday
BOTTOMS to having to wake up early for noon kickoff
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@TheBethTruax — A towel is not a toga. #MrGreekGodPagaent #wku — sent 11/7 @KelbyBarnett22 — These boots may be made for walking...but not up this hill #WKU — sent 11/7 @Andrea654 — Little ridiculous that there is a riot in front of PFT! #WKU — sent 11/6
Across 1 Part of PGA: Abbr. 5 Desert tableland 9 Character weakness 13 Chase away, as a fly 14 Plot surprise 16 “Queen of Country” McEntire 17 A psychic may read yours 18 Yemen’s capital 19 With 8-Down, really simple 20 One who can talk you to sleep 23 Pellet shooter 24 AFL partner 25 Madrid Mrs. 28 Tabula __: blank slate 31 “That’s enough out of you!” 33 Audible sign of hunger 38 Cruising on the briny 39 Org. offering motel discounts 40 Chat room “Here’s what I think ...” 41 Flappers’ decade 46 Present from birth 47 Salinger title teenager 48 Court divider 49 “Criminal Minds” network 51 Bible book of 150 poems 56 Weather event where you’d hear the starts of 20-, 33and 41-Across 59 It might begin, “Knock knock” 62 Word after maternity or shore 63 Prefix with dextrous 64 Allies’ opponents 65 City that inspired van Gogh 66 Banister 67 Old wives’ tale 68 Lions’ homes 69 “Bus Stop” dramatist William
Down 1 Critters’ rights gp. 2 Lewis with Lamb Chop 3 From the sun 4 Asian menu assurance 5 Where Moses received the Commandments: Abbr.
6 Actor McGregor 7 Croon a tune 8 See 19-Across 9 At no cost 10 Grazing area 11 Middle muscles 12 Method 15 Follower of Lao-tzu 21 Throw hard 22 __-Rooter 25 Hindu guru 26 Rolling in French euros 27 Pal of Porthos 29 Unexpected problem 30 Colorful marble 32 Neglect to include 33 __ to go: ready for action, in dialect 34 Me.-to-Fla. highway 35 Intended
36 Old-time actress Theda 37 Tree cutters 42 Restless desire 43 Cosmic cloud 44 Catherine the Great, to Russia 45 Eliot of the Untouchables 50 Wooden Mortimer 52 Pong producer 53 Fictional salesman Willy 54 Boss, slangily 55 Photographer’s request 56 New Age musician John 57 Chip’s chipmunk pal 58 Neck and neck 59 Traffic trouble 60 Natural Skin Science company 61 First-aid aid
For Friday's crossword solution, visit w k u h e r a l d c o m
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 • COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD • WKUHERALD.COM
CHH POLITICS Electoral votes (270 needed to win)
OBAMA/303 ROMNEY/206 0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Popular vote OBAMA 50% ROMNEY 48% 0
10
20
30
40
*Totals do not include the 3 percent of unreported votes out of Florida
50
Kentucky
White
African American
Asian
Latino
#
ROMNEY OBAMA 60% 38%
ROMNEY OBAMA 59% 39%
Men
Women
19-29
30-44
44-64
65 and up
ROMNEY OBAMA 52% 45%
ROMNEY OBAMA 44% 55%
ROMNEY OBAMA
ROMNEY OBAMA 45% 52%
ROMNEY OBAMA 51% 47%
ROMNEY OBAMA 56% 44%
By the
numbers
R
7%
*All data from CNN Exit Polls
37%
60%
OBAMA 93%
ROMNEY
26% OBAMA 73%
ROMNEY
27% OBAMA 71%
Student face-off: Now what? KEATON BROWNSTEAD
more individual action, myself included. Voting is a means, not an end. When Now that the election is over, we can you get married, you don’t tell your all stop acting like we care about poli- spouse to go away and do as they tics. Congratulations to Obama. Rom- please. You communicate, share ideas ney, you’re still rich. This article isn’t and grow together. Our elected ofabout them, it’s about you ficials are our partners in and me. democracy. If we ignore Aside from voting and them, they will become out posting a few divisive stateof touch. We will get pissed off and demand a divorce. ments on Facebook, how Wash, rinse, repeat. involved are we in the poRegardless of who you litical process? How many supported for the presidennon-presidential election tial election, look at the bigissues did we research, like ger picture. Yes, presidents in our hometowns? Have have a significant role in we ever called or wrote a leading our country and bepolitician, local or national, BROWNSTEAD ing a poster-boy of the Free to share our analysis of a Political World. However, I promise topic? contributor you there are many other Face it, most people could name the starting five for the Los An- things going on in the political realm geles Lakers before they could list that have tremendous influence over the past five bills that Congress has your life. And the brilliant thing is you have passed. Many would argue over who a say in the matter. In fact, it’s your should get kicked off “America’s Next duty as a citizen. To go against that is Top Model” before they got involved to squander our hard-won freedoms, with whether or not their county and we are all doing it all the time. The should raise a levy for schools. buck doesn’t stop at voting. We can all go on about how we I’m still going to watch “The Walking should unite after the election — Dead” and read the occasional Dave which sounds like a great PR state- Eggers novel-pseudo-autobiographyment — but it’s pretty phony. Sure, whatever. But now I may occasionally we hope our government will begin tune in to CSPAN, read the local paper to work in a more bipartisan manner, and bother the office of someone imbut we are doing nothing to encour- portant when I feel necessary. I welage it. We need less idealistic talk and come you to do the same. OPINION@WKUHERALD.COM
KWABENA BOATENG
tophan to settle your mind. Now my second point. Republicans seem to be at a crossroads. Will they If you haven’t heard, Barack Obama continue the shift to the Tea Party side, is still our president, courtesy of forcing moderates, such as Romney, Ohio, Virginia and other swing states. to completely adopt views they don’t Obama’s victory over Romney wasn’t necessarily share? Or will they find a surprising. Nate Silver, the stanew niche, one that isn’t tistical guru behind the New purely about deadlockYork Times’ FiveThirtyEight ing Congress. Regardless, blog, had Obama’s re-election they can’t continue to igchances at 90 percent, before nore demographic changmost ballots were tallied. This es if they want to succeed campaign was in the presiin 2016, as Al Cardenas of dent’s hands to either lose the American Conservaor win. Even with Romney’s tive Union admitted to strong showing in the first dePolitico. According to UPI, bate, Obama remained ahead “Hispanics, Jews, Asians, in the polls. The popular vote women and young votBOATENG and Electoral College weren’t ers… made the difference” Political close — it was all Obama, contributor in swing states such as Virso no repeat of 2000, thank ginia and Florida. It won’t goodness. The confetti has settled, be any different in 2016. and, as The Who sang, the new boss Lastly, I’m not sure what has really is the same as the old boss. So, what is “changed.” We still have an ever innext? creasing national debt. We are still First, people need to vent, vent some more and then relax. Obviously not in two wars. Guantanamo’s deteneveryone was happy with the results tion camp is still open. U.S. drones on Tuesday. I spoke to someone who are still killing Pakistani civilians. was disappointed with Americans Obama’s victory was a far cry from his “making the same mistake twice.” Yet “hope and change we can believe in” she said this without being distraught of 2008. Some of that has to do with or raging, unlike some folks on Twit- his opponents. I hope they, and all of ter, Facebook, etc. Both sides end- us, emulate Mitt Romney’s gracious lessly raging is one of the reasons our concession, and his call for “our leadpoliticians aren’t productive. So, wait ers to reach across the aisle to do the for Thanksgiving, and allow that tryp- people’s work.” OPINION@WKUHERALD.COM
Expert's corner: WKU debate coach analyzes Romney concession speech CHRIS JOFFRION OPINION@WKUHERALD.COM
Mitt Romney, ever the politician, has earned himself the nickname Slick Mitt for his smooth, slick speaking style. Tuesday's concession speech was yet another example of this. Polished, poised, and controlled even in defeat Mitt delivered a silky smooth concession. Some might argue that his style was a little too
controlled, too poised, and that he seemed insincere. At times during his very brief concession (only about half as long as McCain's concession speech 4 years ago) I found myself wondering if this guy believed anything he was saying or did he merely don the mask of a gracious loser. The smirks and repeated reference to “praying” for the President leads me to think that even in defeat
Romney still human qualfinds it difficult ity. His words of to believe in the support, praise, path forward and respect for America for Obama envisioned by seemed far Obama, supmore genuine ported by the that what we Democratic saw last night party, and from Romney. voted for by Romney’s call JOFFRION the majority of for politicians Expert Americans. to reach across Contributor Four years the aisle to adago, McCain’s conces- dress the challenges facsion had a far more ing our nation seemed
like an afterthought wedged in the middle of a speech far more focused on thanking his supporters and praising Ann and Paul. In short, Romney’s concession speech was delivered smoothly with almost no show of emotion. His appreciation to his supporters was apparent and well deserved. His respect for and trust in his victorious opponent seemed doubtful at best
and in my opinion woefully under-discussed in the speech. His challenge to his party seemed to be a subtle “we can survive this” masked by a brief, half-hearted call for cooperation.
Chris Joffrion is the WKU debate director. For more analysis, go to wkuherald.com.
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NOVEMBER 9, 2012 • HEIGHTS HERALD • WKUHERALD.COM
Oh my Greek god!
Evansville senior Tyler Wittmer, a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, returns into a line of contestants after dancing during the “Mr. Greek God� Pageant in the Downing University Center auditorium. Contestants from fraternities across WKU competed in the pageant for the title. Alpha Gamma Delta sorority hosts the pageant to raise money for their foundation for juvenile diabetes research and awareness. IAN MAULE/HERALD Alpha Gamma Delta sorority hosted its fourth annual “Mr. Greek God� pageant in Downing University Center auditorium Wednesday night. All kinds of talent were featured in the show. Painters, guitarists, singers, pianists and an oiled up muscle man were among the various acts, making for an entertaining evening.
Winchester junior Mercedes Trent, philanthropy coordinator for AGD, organized the pageant. “We wanted to put on an event that the whole Greek community could come together and laugh at,� Trent said. AGD raised $2,500 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. — Sarah Stukenborg
Holiday Open House at the WKU Floral Shop! November 10 • 9:00am-4:00pm
CHIC CHICKS
Prints, patterns and textures spice up fall and winter
Monta Reinfelde, Zirconia Alleyne and Amber Plunkett JABIN BOTSFORD/HERALD AMBER PLUNKETT DIVERSIONS@WKUHERALD.COM
I’ll be the first to admit that fall isn’t my favorite season. Mainly because I know winter is next, which means temperatures in the 30s and no sunshine after 5 p.m. There are a few things I love about this time of the year, though. Fall is vibrant with patterns and textures, and the colors are bolder and warmer. Because we’re covered from head to toe, patterns, prints and textures become a great form of self-expression. As for patterns, you can’t go wrong with any variation of leopard in my opinion (which is no surprise, because I love cats). It may seem daring at first, but the print is versatile for class and anything else you may do later. Just remember to let the print be the star of the show. If you’re wearing leopard print pants, for example, wear a top that’s more modest in a solid color. If leopard
pants aren’t for you, try the pattern a little bit at a time with a scarf or belt. The next two trends can be tricky — lace overlays and floral prints. Both were huge last season and continue to be fresh for this fall. However, too much of one can seem a little grandma-ish. Keep your floral prints and lace on trend by balancing out their femininity with a more masculine, tailored piece. Try a structured blazer or a pair of studded smoking slippers. The next two patterns will be big for the holiday season, and I’m predicting they’ll linger into next spring as well. (I may not have done a very good job at predicting the presidential election results, but I’m fairly certain these prints are going to be around for a while.) Anything with a scarfprint motif is a great trend to add to your wardrobe. The motif is an extremely vibrant, colorful, ornate pattern, which tends to mimic Versace’s famous pieces.
Despite the name, this print isn’t just for scarves anymore. Many retailers are offering pants and blouses in scarf-print motifs. Though the second trend, brocade, is common in home-dÊcor, the patterned texture has made its way into the fashion realm as well. Brocade has a very vintage feel that is reminiscent of the old-world Golden Age in Europe. It’s detailed, classic and elegant. It will be great to wear at holiday gatherings — in a skirt or ankle pants — but can easily transition to day wear with a slouch sweater and booties. Again, the key with all these trends is to let the print be the focal point of your outfit. Adding these into your daily wardrobe will make fall and early winter a little more exciting —although it’s still going to get dark by late afternoon. Sorry, Chic Chicks readers, I can give you suggestions on what to wear, but I can’t change the seasons.
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Sperling hopes the report will demonstrate to universities and colleges across the U.S. how they are doing when it comes to sexual health, something they may not be able to know without the report. “They have no way to compare with other colleges around the country,�
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Sperling said. Ultimately, Sperling said he hopes this will motivate schools to continue to improve and for students to get more involved in bettering their sexual health programs. Some students have already taken the initiative and put pressure on their school administrations to enhance their programs because of the report, he said. “That helps students be healthy and safe,� Sperling said.
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confused over the course and abilities before enof the game. tering a match. From the get-go, Halo Ordinance drops, in The release of a new 4 oozes nostalgia and some ways similar to Halo game is an occa- respect for the first Call of Duty’s “Killstreak” sion, an event of epic game. Repelling the at- system, rewards playproportions — and with tack aboard the ship, it ers over the course of quickly escagood reason. a match for With Halo 4, developer lates to a crash scoring kills or 343 Industries returns landing on a by providing to the roots of the series strange alien near-instant filled in some aspects while world, power-ups adapting in other ways with sweeping and weapons. to combat its biggest ri- vistas that are It’s a big val — the first-person almost identichange. Halo’s cal to the first juggernaut Call of Duty. multiplayer Halo 4 finds every- game. mode previChief blasts body’s favorite super ously revolved soldier, the Master his way from around conChief, drifting through checkpoint to trolling imporKOCH space right where we left c h e c k p o i n t , tant weapon Self-declared him at the end of Halo 3. occasionally locations. nerd His stalwart blue piloting fan-faNow, any playcompanion, the artifi- vorites such as the Wart- er could have a shotgun cial intelligence called hog or Banshee. delivered to them perCortana, awakens him Expect to boot up and sonally. when an old familiar shut down countless The pace is more franenemy, the Covenant, generators and power tic, but the verdict is still boards Chief’s ship and sources as you have to out on whether Halo starts messing things up. backtrack to progress faithfuls will approve of It doesn’t through the the change. The pace take long game. It’s teIn many ways, the for the dious, but Ha- highest compliment that is more Chief to near-per- can be awarded to Halo frantic, but lo’s shake off fected gun- 4 is that it’s a Halo game the rust the verdict play keeps through and through. and blast is still out the bulk of the Everything looks new, them to on whether game combat to be sure. The game pieces. A as interesting boasts incredible visuals Halo new enemy as ever with that push the Xbox 360 emerges in some notable to the limits of its power, faithfuls the form of will approve additions. but underneath its shiny the robotic A new sprint new coat of paint, Halo of the Promethebutton speeds 4 is still very close to change. ans, and up Chief’s his- the game that fans have — Cameron Koch the identorically slug- been playing for years. Game reviewer tity of their gish pace, and Halo 4’s achievement master, new weapons lies in its ability to evolve without spoiling any- and abilities add some the series, slowly but thing, should come as a variety to the his tradi- surely, while remaining surprise to those keep- tional arsenal. true to what made the ing up with Halo fiction. While the single-play- first game so popular. At times, some aspects er doesn’t stray far from of the story aren’t ex- the tried-and-true Halo Cameron Koch is a plained as well as they formula, multiplayer is a Nixa, Mo., senior and should be. Those who different story. Taking a lifelong gamer. His haven’t read the ever- page from Call of Duty’s other musings on growing number of Halo playbook, players now books and comics may have the ability to cus- games can be found on Gameinformer.com find themselves feeling tomize weapons, gear
Often for concerts or Halloween, Juggalos paint their faces to resemble clowns. Bradley said the public reaction to painted faces is typically negative. He said many give smug, dirty looks. “People fear what they don’t understand,” Bradley said. Juggalos paint up to imitate ICP, who originally painted their faces as clowns to detract from a slip-up on stage and write it off as just being a clown. A place where Juggalos can escape criticism and ridicule from the public is “The Gathering.” Held in Cave-InRock, Ill., every year, The Gathering of the Juggalos is a multiple-day music
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festival with people from all over the world. Bradley has been to the festival five times and has seen doctors, lawyers and Charlie Sheen. “It’s like a giant family reunion,” Bradley said. “But you don’t have to be a Juggalo to attend.” Doetel said life for Juggalos isn’t always easy. He said the FBI released a gang report in 2011, and the list included Juggalos. He said his car has the standard Juggalo decal of a man running with a hatchet, and police once pulled him over “for no reason.” For those involved in Juggalo culture, it’s the only way of life. Despite public criticism and legal debates, the culture carries on. “I’m a Juggalo until the day I die,” Bradley said.
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eight-bit game “Fix-It Felix, Jr.,” decides he wants to live the life of a hero. Ralph moves from game to game trying to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc on his entire arcade. “Wreck-It Ralph” is an entertaining, nostalgic trip that provides its audience with a unique perspective of the video game world. Even as a kid who didn’t grow up with some of the games depicted in the film, I still caught enough of the references to get a kick out of them. I enjoyed seeing Ralph’s transformation from villain to hero, and I enjoyed seeing his encounters with different characters along the way. It’s not until the film’s second half that things get slightly repetitive. Ralph spends a considerable amount of time in a game called “Sugar Rush” that features characters who race go-karts in a “Candy Land”-like environment. Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) is portrayed as a glitch within “Sugar Rush.” However, she’s supposed to be fixed when she crosses the finish line at the end of one of the game’s races. SPOILER ALERT: Vanellope crosses the finish line, but her glitch doesn’t
fix. It’s later explained that her glitch is a superpower that allows her to jump ahead of other racers in the game. I thought this was a minor cop-out that could have used a better explanation, but overall, I consider it a small imperfection in an otherwise fantastic movie. “Wreck-It Ralph” has something for gamers and non-gamers alike. Old-school gamers will love the movie for its clever references and appearances by characters such as Zangief from “Street Fighter,” Bowser from “Super Mario Bros.,” Pac-Man and Clyde from “Pac-Man,” and Dr. Eggman and Sonic from “Sonic the Hedgehog,” just to name a few. Non-gamers will enjoy the stunning animation and hilarious characters. This is one of my favorite Disney movies in recent memory for the fact that this is a Disney cartoon that appeals to an older audience despite its family-friendly PG rating. If you are a fan of Disney’s cartoons or a fan of video games, I highly encourage you to check this one out in theaters. Ben Conniff is a Villa Hills sophomore majoring in marketing with a minor in film studies. For more of his commentary, follow him on Twitter @thereelbennyc
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2012 • COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD • WKUHERALD.COM
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Auburn sophomore David Bradley has been a part of the Juggalo community for eight years. Juggalos are a sub-culture that follow musicians such as Insane Clown Posse, Krizz Kaliko and Twiztid. RAE EMARY/HERALD
Insane Clown Posse followers paint up LIZ GEIMAN
“We are so in tune with our friends,” Bradley said. “They are family even though there is no Among the clown face paint, bloodline.” Bradley was introduced to the horror-themed rap music and culture in 2004, endless supply of and within three Faygo soda is a famto years, he was cerily. from tain he had found To Auburn junior Each Friday, the College his niche. David Bradley, the Heights Herald brings you “The deeper I life of a Juggalo is a story inspired by a letter delved, the more more than “painting of the alphabet. interested I got,” up,” which is a stereotype attached to the Insane he said. He described Juggalos as a Clown Posse followers. Bradley describes the Juggalo — and Ju- group of people who generally galette, as females are called — stand for unity, diversity, freedom of speech and showing reculture as a close-knit group. DIVERSIONS@WKUHERALD.COM
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WKU got its top scores in several areas. The free condoms available at When it comes to sexual health, Health Services earned WKU an “A,” WKU is just going through the mo- and the Well-U program, which incentivizes “preventative care” like tions. The Trojan 2012 Sexual Health getting tested at Health Services for Report Card ranked WKU at 59 in HIV, earned an “A” in extra-credit. Other areas that helped WKU earn sexual health initiatives, a drop of 12 top scores of at least a “B” were the from 47 in 2011. The report, which included 141 free monthly HIV testing and acces“major campuses” across the Unit- sibility to Health Services. WKU had ed States, ranks schools based on no grade below a “C” on the report. “It looks like they y are doing a good, several factors from contraceptive p job,” soliid so job jo b Sperling said. availability on campus mpus mp us tto o sexual s xual se al solid However, Sperhealth peer groups. lii ling said there Bert Sperling, were areas that w re some we so president of Spercould could co coul d us use e improvement at ling’s BestPlaces WKU, including — the company STD testing, outthat conducted reach, sexual asthe survey — said sault awareness the drop was not and the quality cause for concern of the WKU webfor WKU. site with regards He said while to sexual health WKU experiinformation. enced a drop in Kathryn Stewthe rankings, the ard, the assistant program at WKU director of WKU has not actually Health Educadeclined in qualtion, agreed that ity. WKU should im“Everybody is DOROTHY EDWARDS/HERALD prove its website. moving toward the “I do think we can beef up our goal, but some schools are making improvements faster,” Sperling said. website on sexual health,” Steward TYLER PROCHAZKA
'Wreck-It Ralph' fun film for gamers BEN CONNIFF DIVERSIONS@WKUHERALD.COM
On my way home last weekend, I sent out a tweet trying to scrape together any friends I could at the last minute to go see Disney’s latest animated feature, “WreckIt Ralph.” I’ve been keeping up with this release since I saw the first trailer over the summer, and I was so excited that Disney was doing a movie about video game characters. While some of these characters were created originally for the film, I loved the idea of bringing other characters from real-life video games into the story. The movie is about a video game villain named Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) who, after 30 years of losing in his featured SEE RALPH PAGE 7
Bratcher said. She said that it has given “weird kid(s)” a niche, where before they didn’t feel like they had a place to fit. Bradley’s longtime friend Tyler Doetel, of Auburn, agrees that the culture provides a home for the “black sheep of families.” “It’s a family of non-family members,” Doetel said. Although those among the culture share a bond with fellow Juggalos and Jugalettes, the “family” doesn’t always receive the same support from the public. SEE JUGGALO PAGE 7
WKU goes down on sexual health ratings NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM
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spect and love for strangers. The Juggalo movement was originally formed in response to ICP’s music and live performances. The music, described as “horror-core rap,” connects Juggalos and Jugalettes everywhere. “Music is the soundtrack to the lives of Juggalos and Jugalettes,” Bradley said. “It is the heartbeat of the culture.” Bradley shares his interest with his Jugalette girlfriend, Jeana Bratcher. Bratcher, of Brownsville, said she likes connecting with many other people in the culture. “It’s a place you can belong,”
said. According to Steward, WKU is reaching out to students to decide the areas of health that are most pertinent to them. Steward said a recent report found that 25 percent of WKU students have had no sexual partners and 41 percent have only had one in a 12 month period. This type of information helps WKU decide how to use its limited funding for health services beyond just sexual health services. “Our university is very good about trying to identify areas of concern,” Steward said. When WKU is compared to other universities in the Sun Belt conference for sexual health, WKU ranks “better than average,” according to Sperling. In state, the University of Kentucky ranks 23 places above WKU, at 36 in the report. The top schools on the Sexual Health Report were primarily Ivy League schools, with Columbia coming out on top. Steward said schools that have more funding like Columbia can and should offer more sexual health initiatives for students. “Money has a big influence in how well a university can rank,” Steward said. SEE HEALTH PAGE 6